The numbers don’t lie. From 2000 to 2006, shale gas production grew by 17 percent – and then by an astounding 48 percent between 2006 and 2010. New York Times columnist David Brooks reported a few weeks ago that in 2000, natural gas from shale contributed to only 1 percent of America’s total natural gas supplies; today, that number is around 30 percent and continues to grow.

Along with ACC President Cal Dooley, Dr. Yergin was among five thought leaders invited to participate in Monday’s natural gas jobs and innovation forum hosted by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.

During the hearing Yergin pointed out that one million shale gas-related jobs have been created already, and that we could be looking at doubling that – but, as Dr. Yergin said, it will depend on a predictable, reasonable environment in which people are willing to invest in their future.